FBNBank Senegal, part of FirstBank Group, has become the first bank to receive Official Bank Partner status for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Dakar prepares for a historic Olympic event
The Youth Olympic Games will take place from 31 October to 13 November. Around 2,700 competitors representing more than 200 nations are expected to attend the first Olympic event staged on African soil, under the theme “Africa Welcomes, Dakar Celebrates.”
FirstBank links partnership to youth development
FirstBank Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Olusegun Alebiosu said the agreement, delivered through the group’s First@Sports programme, was designed to develop sporting ability across Africa and help young athletes pursue opportunities on the international stage.
Alebiosu described young people as the builders of Africa’s future and said supporting them was central to the continent’s long-term prosperity and stability. He added that the bank’s role at Dakar 2026 would focus on several priorities:
- Developing young talent throughout Africa.
- Encouraging high standards and sporting excellence.
- Creating an environment in which young people can set ambitious goals and reach their potential.
He said the partnership represented an investment in the next generation and reflected FirstBank Group’s belief that sport can inspire ambition while strengthening Africa’s future.
Banking support for the Games
Ibrahima Wade, general coordinator of the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee, said the agreement was reached after several months of discussions involving FirstBank Group and FBNBank Senegal. He stressed that African organisations should take the lead in supporting major projects on the continent.
FBNBank Senegal has supported the Games from their initial development. Its contribution has included financing the Diamniadio Olympic Village, while the bank is also providing financial services for the event’s day-to-day administration. In addition, it has launched “Japandi”, a free banking package for athletes and members of the Youth Olympic Games committee.
Wade said the agreement completed a process begun months earlier, reflecting FirstBank Group and FBNBank Senegal’s strong determination to be fully involved in Dakar 2026. He added that African institutions should be the first to answer when the continent calls for support.
A century of youth-focused initiatives
For more than 100 years, FirstBank Group has operated programmes aimed at young people in a range of fields, including:
- Education
- Entrepreneurship
- Technology
- Financial literacy
- Sport through programmes such as First@Sports
